Category: NCAA

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: You can’t even contain him Okorie scores 22 Cardinal beat Boston College 70-64

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Boston College men’s basketball forward Jayden Hastings (right) with the ball against Stanford Cardinal Oskar Giltay (15) at Conte Forum on Feb. 11, 2026. | John Sexton / Boston College Eagles On SI

Stanford Cardinal basketball podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Stanford’s (16-9) leading scorer, Ebuka Okorie, finished with 22 points against Boston College (9-15), and how did his performance impact the final result?

#2 Did guard Benny Gealer’s three-point shooting significantly contribute to Stanford’s offensive success in this game, and if so, how effective was he from beyond the arc?

#3 Stanford forward AJ Rohosy had eight rebounds and Aidan Cammann five rebounds in the matchup, and how did their board work influence the flow of the game?

#4 How did guard Jeremy Dent-Smith’s performance help Stanford maintain or extend a lead during critical stretches against Boston College (9-15)?

#5 Considering Ryan Agarwal’s contributions, did he provide key defensive stops or secondary scoring that affected Stanford’s ability to close out this ACC road game?

Join Michael Roberson for the Stanford Cardinal podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Pacific Tigers Comeback 10 Points Late to Defeat LMU, 65–59

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Pacific Tiger guard #2 Elias Ralph shoots a midrange jumper in the 2nd half on February 11th, 2026, at the Alex G. Spanos Center in Stockton, CA. (Photo Credits to Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

STOCKTON – On Wednesday night at the Alex G. Spanos Center, the Pacific Tigers men’s basketball team defeated Loyola Marymount 65–59 in another exciting home game, heading to their first winning season in six years.

With four regular-season games left and at least one meeting certain in the WCC Tournament, Pacific came into the meeting with an overall record of 16–10 and a 7–6 record in the West Coast Conference. The program secured its first winning season since the 2019–20 season and only the third since the Tigers returned to the WCC in 2013–14 with a win over LMU.

The Tigers had a 10-1 record inside the Spanos Center, proving their dominance at home throughout the season. The program’s best home success rate since Pacific’s 12-1 home record in the 2004– 05 season was achieved with a home winning percentage of 0.909. The Tigers’ home record was 819–463 overall, with a 356–230 record at the Alex G. Spanos Center.

In addition, Pacific started the evening alone in fourth place in the WCC standings, one game ahead of Washington State, San Francisco, and Oregon State. The game was crucial for positioning in the final stretch since a No. 3 or No. 4 seed would guarantee a bye into the conference tournament’s quarterfinal round on Sunday, March 7.

The two sides had different trends going into the game. The Lions had a 3–7 record over their last 10 games, while the Tigers had a 6–4 record.

Justin Rochelin, Jaden Clayton, TJ Wainwright, Elias Ralph, and Isaac Jack made up Pacific’s starting five. With an average of 16.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, Ralph had been the Tigers’ top scorer. Over the last ten games, Wainwright averaged 14.6 points and 4.0 rebounds, demonstrating a consistent scoring presence.

The starting lineup for LMU included Rick Issanza, Aaron McBride, Rodney Brown Jr., Myron Amey Jr., and Jan Vide. Brown Jr., who averaged 2.9 made three-pointers per game, scored 14.2 points, and shot 38.8 percent from beyond the arc, had been a vital perimeter danger for the Lions. Shelley had also been a consistent contributor for LMU, averaging 14 points and 5.9 rebounds over the last 10 games.

After defeating San Francisco 84-75 on the road and San Diego 83-63 at home, LMU came to Stockton with a lot of energy. Pacific was ranked No. 102 in the NCAA NET Rankings, ahead of LMU at No. 160, despite the Lions’ recent success. Pacific’s highest-ever finish, No. 110, was also obtained during the 2019–20 season, which marked the introduction of the NET Rankings.

Rodney Brown Jr. made a jumper to give Loyola Marymount the lead early in the game, but Pacific quickly answered with a jumper of their own from Elias Ralph. As the first half went on, the Tigers found it hard to get into an offensive rhythm despite their quick response.

The Lions controlled the game for most of the first half, holding the lead for nearly 16 minutes, while the Tigers led for just over two. LMU’s defensive pressure disrupted Pacific throughout the half, holding the Tigers to just 29 percent shooting from the field. After the first 10 minutes, LMU had built a 10-point advantage. With 7:30 remaining in the first half, Pacific was shooting just 21 percent from the floor, going 4-of-19.

At halftime, the Tigers trailed 31–25. Although Pacific outrebounded LMU 19–13, shooting efficiency proved to be the difference. The Tigers connected on just one of seven three-point attempts, while the Lions made five of 12 shots from long range. Pacific did find success in the paint, scoring 12 of its 25 first-half points inside, but struggles elsewhere prevented the Tigers from closing the gap before the break.

Elias Ralph sparked Pacific’s incredible comeback in the second half. He energized the Tigers and started a comeback with a made three-pointer to start the half. Ralph then led a 7-0 scoring run with a hook shot and a layup on a cut to the hoop. Pacific took advantage of LMU’s lack of scoring for the first two minutes of the second half. The score was tied 36–36 after the first 4 minutes of the half.

The Tigers then took the lead on a layup from guard Jaden Clayton, 38–36, and extended it immediately with a three-pointer from Justin Rochelin. Pacific would never relinquish the lead, erupting on a 25–5 run over nine minutes. Ralph was instrumental, finishing the game with 22 points and 7 rebounds, making 8 of 9 shots in the second half alone. TJ Wainwright contributed 10 points and 7 rebounds, while Clayton and Rochelin provided key support in crunch time. By the time eight minutes remained, Pacific had already outscored its first-half total, putting 28 points on the board in the second frame.

LMU briefly cut the lead during a four-minute scoreless stretch for the Tigers, narrowing the gap to nine points. However, Wainwright hit a clutch basket with 1:30 remaining to push the lead back to 11 and seal the win for Pacific.

The starting five of the Tigers overcame LMU’s early lead with a mix of effective defense and effective scoring play. Rodney Brown Jr. remained a perimeter threat for LMU, but the Lions were unable to keep up their domination in the first half.

With their win, Pacific moved one step closer to its first winning season since 2019–20, improving to 17–10 overall and 8–6 in West Coast Conference play. The Tigers prepared for the WCC Tournament by maintaining their momentum throughout the rest of the regular season.

In an attempt to hold onto their winning season as much as possible and keep gaining ground in West Coast Conference play, the Pacific Tigers will take on the St. Mary’s Gaels on February 14, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Alex G. Spanos Center in Stockton, California.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Stanford handles Georgia Tech 95-72 at Maples

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Stanford Cardinal guard Ebuka Okorie couldn’t be stopped leading with 40 points against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets guard Akai Fleming (0) who defends at Maples Pavilion on Sat Feb 7, 2026 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Stanford’s (15-9) freshman guard Ebuka Okorie scored 40 points in the game against Georgia Tech (11-13), how did Okorie impact the final result?

#2 Senior guard Jeremy Dent-Smith scored 16 points for the Cardinal in terms of scoring and assists how did Dent-Smith impact the matchup?

#3 Stanford forwards — Oskar Giltay didn’t score and Aidan Cammann scored seven points both had three rebounds — against Georgia Tech?

#4 Guard Benny Gealer scored nine points and did Gealer provide significant defensive stops in the later stages of Stanford’s win?

#5 Ryan Agarwal contributed on both ends of the floor with four points scoring, rebounding, or defense in Stanford’s performance against Georgia Tech?

Michael Roberson was filling in for Daniel Dullum who does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal game wrap: Cardinal swat away Yellow Jackets 95-72, Saturday Evening on the Farm; end losing streak (5)

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Stanford Cardinal guard Benny Gealer finished with nine points against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Maples Pavilion on Sat Feb 7, 2026 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

By Michael Roberson

 STANFORD, Calif. — Freshman sensation Ebuka Okorie’s record-breaking 40 points helped his Stanford Cardinal (15-9, 4-7 ACC) put a halt to their five-game losing streak, by forging through the swarm of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (11-13, 2-9 ACC), 95-72, inside the friendly confines of Maples Pavilion.

Georgia Tech got the scoring underway with the first basket of the game.  Although there would be seven lead changes after that basket and one lone tie, two points would be their largest advantage of the entire game.

Stanford was able to be in the lead for nearly 16 minutes of the first half, while holding a lead as high as 11 points.  The Cardinal shot 47% from the floor and 44% from three.  they were perfect from the free throw line too.

Leading the way for Stanford in the first half, was the aforementioned Okorie, as he put up 18 points at the halfway point of the game, and was the lone reason why the team was perfect from the “Charity Stripe;”  he was 4-4 and hit two treys.  He was the only player to reach double-figures from either team.

At recess, the Cardinal held onto a four-point lead, 43-39.  The Yellow Jackets were fortunate to be that close, despite being behind most of the first half and trailing by double-digits for a portion of the block.

In the second half, Stanford was able to balloon the 4-point lead to as high as 23 points.  Okorie added 22 points to his game-leading tally, and another teammate joined him in the 10+ points echelon.  Jeremy Dent-Smith offered his 16 points to the Cardinal’s efforts.  

Despite being down big in the second half, the buzzing insects from the ATL did continue to fight.  However, there were no more ties of lead changes in the second 20 minutes of gametime.

After the final buzzer sounded, Stanford had stopped the losing streak at five consecutive games.  A huge sigh of relief glossed over Palo Alto and a gasp of astonishment reverberated inside Maples as their star first year player broke his own school record again and pleased the Cardinal faithful.

Okorie;s impressive line score read: 40 points*, 4 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals.  Another Stanford freshman scoring record eclipsed by the same player within the same season (32, 36 & 40).

Georgia Tech had three performers worth mentioning.  Akai Fleming scored 19 points, while Baye Ndongo put up 14 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.  Jaeden Mustaf offered the Yellow Jackets 13 points.

The Cardinal will next be in action Wednesday, February 11, as they travel to Beantown to take on Boston College at ^ PM PT and ( PM ET on ESPNU.  Georgia Tech heads back to Atlanta on the same date to host Wake Forest at ( PM ET on the ACC Network.

Cal Falls to No. 20 Clemson 77–55 at Haas Pavilion on Rock Your Crocs Night

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California Golden Bear forward #22 Chris Bell shoots his 2nd free throw attempt with 7:37 remaining in the 1st half in the Haas Pavilion on Saturday evening on February 7th, 2026. (Photo Credits to Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – In front of an excited home crowd, the California Golden Bears played No. 20 Clemson on Saturday night at Haas Pavilion for Rock Your Crocs Night. However, after early signs of optimism, the Tigers easily won 77–55.

Cal came into the game having lost the previous two meetings and losing the all-time series versus Clemson 2–1. Tigers have made it three straight losses in a row. The conference matchup was made more interesting by the fact that, like Georgia Tech before them, this was Clemson’s first time visiting Haas Pavilion. The Tigers started with RJ Godfrey, Jestin Porter, Jake Wahlin, Ace Buckner, and Carter Welling, while the Golden Bears, with their starting five of John Camden, Chris Bell, Justin Pippen, Dai Dai Ames, and center Milos Ilic, took the floor.

Cal was prepared to make a statement first. Justin Pippen quickly ignited the fans with a driving layup after the Golden Bears won the tip. Cal made all three of the team’s shots, while Pippen and Chris Bell led the squad in the first few minutes, with Pippen scoring seven points without a miss and Bell adding six. whereas Clemson had a difficult start, missing multiple shots and committing two turnovers in a nearly four-minute stretch. Five minutes into the game, the Golden Bears had a 13–9 lead, and the crowd was loving it.

However, things suddenly changed quickly. The Bears committed four turnovers in just four minutes, which led to Cal’s offensive decline and allowed Clemson to gain the upper hand. As they found their groove, the Tigers played with accuracy, dishing out nine assists. Their bench also added 20 points, which increased the pressure. The game shifted in favor of Clemson after a 17–1 scoring run over almost ten minutes, as Cal missed 13 straight field goals, falling to 24 percent shooting in the first half. The Tigers’ defense forced nine turnovers, made four blocks, and recorded four steals, keeping Cal to 38 percent from three-point range and giving Clemson a dominating 39–20 advantage at halftime.

Pippen opened the second half by making a midrange jumper and turning the foul into a three-point play. Bell slowly started to find his stride and made back-to-back shots to give the Golden Bears some energy after a short scoring slump. However, Clemson kept their dominance. The Tigers led 56–41 with eight minutes left, and RJ Godfrey’s three-pointer off a foul put them ahead 59–41. Any Cal comeback attempts were consistently stopped by Clemson’s effective offense and defense, which included aggressive drives, rebounds, and smart fouls that sent them to the line.

After Cal missed another field goal going for three minutes, the Tigers took the lead by 24 points, and then the team went on a 9–0 run in two minutes late in the second half, leading fans to begin leaving Haas Pavilion with five minutes remaining. In the closing minutes, Cal coach Mark Madsen started to slowly remove his starters. Despite scoring 33 points in the second half, the Golden Bears were unable to overcome Clemson’s dominant performance. Tigers made 12 three pointers in this game, compared to the home team Bears, who only made 4 all game.

Milos Ilic pulled down a team-high eight rebounds and added two assists, while Justin Pippen led Cal with 19 points. This is Justin’s 20th game this season, scoring in double-digits.

In front of an energetic, Croc-loving home crowd, Clemson easily won the game 77–55, handing Cal a 22-point loss. After an early hot start, the Golden Bears found it difficult to recover from the Tigers’ strong offensive attack and defensive pressure. Clemson is in 2nd place, while the Cal Bears are in 10th place in their conference. Syracuse came into the West Coast and won their games, going 2-0 in the Bay.

In an attempt to bounce back from the hard loss at home, the Golden Bears will travel for their next two games, starting at 4 p.m. on February 11 against Syracuse, who are currently on a two-game losing skid, and Boston College at 9 a.m. on February 14.

Super Bowl LX podcast Michael Duca: Discussion of what the difference maker will be Sunday

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) speaks with the news media Thu Feb 5, 2026 in San Jose (AP News photo)

Super Bowl LX podcast Michael Duca:

#1 Who will be the key difference-maker in Super Bowl LX Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold or Patriots quarterback Drake Maye — and how might their performances decide the game?

#2 How might Seattle’s top-ranked defense impact New England’s offensive game plan on Super Bowl Sunday?

#3 With the Seahawks favored by around 4.5 points in the odds, what strategies could the Patriots employ to keep the game close or pull off an upset?

#4 How will injuries — such as Seahawks rookie Nick Emmanwori’s ankle sprain — affect each team’s performance in the biggest game of the season?

#5 What historical or narrative storylines — such as this being a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX — add extra intrigue to the Seahawks vs. Patriots matchup?

Michael Duca is a podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cardinal slashed by Tigers 66-64, Wednesday Night on the Farm

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Stanford Cardinal Ebuka Okorie (1) drives towards the basket agianst the Clemson Tigers in the first half at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Wed Feb 4, 2026 in ACC action (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (14-9 3-7 ACC) suffered a cat attack inside Maples Pavilion, 66-64, with a loss to the Clemson Tigers (19-4, 9-1 ACC) in a “Hump Day”  conference night game.

Clemson started the game off with an immediate lead, as they converted a three-pointer.  However, Stanford did respond and fought hard to be in front at recess.  Although the Tigers led by nearly five times as many first half game clock ticks, the Cardinal found a way to be in front at halftime.

There were five lead changes and two ties within the initial 20 minutes of game action.  Both teams shot 100% from the charity stripe, while Stanford tallied 44% from the floor, and 27% from beyond the arc,  Clemson shot 41% and 36% respectively.

The only player on either squad to eclipse double-digit scoring was Cardinal freshman guard Ebuka Okorie, with his 12 points.  Stanford entered the locker room with a lead, due to the shooting prowess of redshirt-sophomore forward/center Aidan Cammann.  He hit a buzzer-beating jumper from the left side to put the home team up 32-30 at the midpoint of the game.

In the second half, Stanford was able to extend their advantage to six points early in the final half.  Clemson was not content with their position and clawed back into the lead, and the already back and forth contest was filled with added excitement.  Three more lead changes and six more lead changes occurred in the second stanza, providing a possible nail-biting finish.

With that being the scenario, the contest came down to free throw shooting.  In the final minutes of the game, the two teams who were perfect from the free throw line in the first half, both had crucial misses down the stretch in the second. half.

Stanford had two missed (1&!)s, which could have been four points added to their total.  Clemson missed two consecutive free throws to the delight of the Maples faithful, as they were rewarded a voucher for a free burger from a franchise restaurant, located across the Bay and US, as well as one on campus at the Stanford Mall.

Despite that gift from the visitors, they converted both free throws for their next opportunity at the line.  California (Mission Viejo) and redshirt-senior Nick Davidson calmly sank both of his attempts.  At the time, that appeared to be the game-winning points; however, they added two more free throws, which were proven to be the actual GW-FTs.  

Therefore, Okorie’s buzzer-beating layup was not a factor with the four free throw points cushion.  After 40 minutes of ACC regulation action, Clemson held on to win by two points, 66-64.

The aforementioned Cammann led all scorers with 19 points, and he chipped in 5 rebounds.  Okorie added six more to his halftime tally, and contributed 18 points for the Card.

Clemson presented three hoopers with double-figures to their names.  Nick Davidson put up 16 points and 7 rebounds in his homecoming in the Golden State.  Ace Buckner (11) and Chase Thompson (10) gave their contributions too.

The Cardinal will next be in action Saturday, February 7, hosting the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at 5 PM PT on ESPNU.  Clemson travels across the Bay on the same date and time, to take on the California Golden Bears on the ACC Network

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Clemson just gets by Stanford in razor close game 66-64

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Clemson Tigers forward Dallas Thomas (8) takes a three point shot against the Stanford Cardinal forward Adam Cammann (52) at Maples Pavilion Palo Alto on Wed Feb 4, 2026 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 How did Clemson manage to close out the game in the final minute — what were the key plays or free throws that decided the 66-64 outcome?

#2 Which individual performances stood out for each team (scorer leaders, career highs) and how did they impact the flow of the game?

#3 What were the turning points in the second half — how did momentum shift between the Tigers and the Cardinal?

#4 How effective was each team’s defense in critical moments, especially down the stretch when both sides struggled to score?

#5 How does this game reflect Clemson’s current road success in ACC play and Stanford’s recent struggles within the conference?

Stanford Cardinal podcasts with Michael Roberson are heard Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast Michael Villanueva: Cal hangs onto beat Georgia Tech 90-85 Wednesday night

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Cal Bears center Milos Ilic takes the ball to the hoop being pursued by the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets guard Kam Craft (12) at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Wed Feb 4, 2026 (Cal Bears X photo)

Cal Bears podcast Michael Vilanueva Michael Villanueva:

#1 The Cal Bears (17-6) battled hard to stay ahead of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (11-12) with a five point win 90-85 at Haas Pavilion on Wednesday night there was a lot of focus towards the end of the game as the Yellow Jackets were closing in the last few minutes of the game.

#2 Cal’s Dai Dai Ames led with 29 points in the win. Ames help keep the Bears in the contest in his contribution for the win.

#3 Which key statistical matchups will determine the outcome of the Georgia Tech vs. Cal game — for example, how might Cal’s experience at home and scoring differential compare with Georgia Tech’s rebounding strength?

#4 How significant is this game for Georgia Tech’s efforts to stop its recent losing streak and improve its position in ACC play?

#5 What strategies might each coach employ based on last season’s Georgia Tech win in overtime meeting and the current season’s performances of top players like Cal’s Dai Dai Ames and Georgia Tech’s Kowacie Reeves or Baye Ndongo?

Michael Villanueva covers the Cal Bears for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden Bears Protect Their Cave Against Yellow Jackets, Final Score: 90-85 Cal Wins!

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California Golden Bear #7 Dai Dai Ames shoots a free throw after being fouled with 15:18 remaining in the Haas Pavilion at Berkeley, CA on February 4th, 2026. (Photo by Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – At Haas Pavilion on Wednesday night, the California Golden Bears defeated Georgia Tech 90-85. Cal improved its impressive home record to 14-2 after returning home from a conference game against Stanford and a split during last week’s two-game road trip in Florida.

With a 3-1 lead in the all-time series, Cal took on Georgia Tech for the fifth time in program history. The Yellow Jackets, however, had won the most previous game in Atlanta on February 15, 2025, 90-88 in overtime. Georgia Tech played its first game ever at Haas Pavilion on Wednesday.

Dai Dai Ames, Justin Pippen, John Camden, Chris Bell, and Milos Ilic were the Golden Bears’ starting lineup. Pippen had averaged 15 points, 4.4 assists, and two steals in the ten games leading up to this point, whereas Ames came into the game averaging 16.6 points per game for Cal.

Lamar Washington, Jaeden Mustaf, Kam Craft, Baye Ndongo, and Kowacie Reeves Jr. were the starting lineup for Georgia Tech. Reeves Jr. came into the game averaging 15.8 points per game for the Yellow Jackets, and Ndongo had averaged 12.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in the ten games prior.

Besides the excitement on the court, the evening included Cal’s Coaches vs. Cancer campaign and Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night, which honored university community members throughout the evening.

Ames made the opening basket of the evening with a midrange jumper, giving Cal a confident start to the game. The Golden Bears relied largely on Ames, who scored 10 points in the first seven minutes on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting attempt and converted each of their first three field goal attempts.

Cal took an early 17–13 lead because of Ames’ strong start, but things quickly changed after he was benched. The Golden Bears had a scoring slump, missing six straight shots in the two minutes Ames was out of the game, while Georgia Tech answered with a 4-0 run.

Midway through the first half, Cal took control again. The Golden Bears extended their lead to 26–16 with eight minutes left after making three straight 3-pointers as part of a 9–0 run that kept Georgia Tech scoreless for almost three and a half minutes.

After that, Cal started to struggle with turnovers as the Bears made three consecutive mistakes in a span of two and a half minutes. Georgia Tech took advantage of this and closed the lead with a 7-0 run. In only 41 seconds, Cal replied with a 6-0 run that included five of its final seven field goals and two more straight 3-pointers.

The Golden Bears finished the half in a rhythm, making all three of their last attempts and making two more straight 3-pointers. After playing its last three games away from home, Cal was leading 43–29 at the half because of the support of the home crowd. The Bears shot more than 50% from the field, beyond the arc, and at the free-throw line at the end of the first half, including eight 3-pointers. No place like home.

Georgia Tech had a strong start to the second half, cutting the lead to 47–44 with an 11–0 run in the first three minutes. Georgia Tech scored 15 points while Cal only managed four in the early going. The Yellow Jackets kept getting better, scoring three 3-pointers in the first five minutes—more than they had in the first half—and going on a four-minute, 20-2 run to take their first lead of the game, 51-49. The Bears were having trouble establishing a rhythm, and Cal’s 15-point halftime lead was gone. Cal only scored eight points in the paint, while Georgia Tech scored 34.

Cal’s offense came alive in the last seven minutes. Ames took back the lead at 67–65 with five baskets in 37 seconds. Chris Bell increased the lead to 70–65 with his second 3-pointer of the evening. Pippen extended the lead to 72–65 with a smooth pick-and-roll with Ilic on the next possession. In the crucial last seconds, Georgia Tech struggled to make baskets, only making two of nine shots.

Bell made another 3-pointer with two minutes left, but Fleming of Georgia Tech answered with a triple of his own to make it 80-77 with 1:00 remaining. With 43.9 seconds left, Ames drove to the basket, drew a foul, and made a 1-of-2 free throw to put Cal ahead 81-77. After that, the Golden Bears used timely scoring and precise free-throw shooting to win, 90-85.

Cal’s team highs: Justin Pippen had six assists, Milos Ilic had nine rebounds, and Dai Dai Ames had 29 points. Ames shot 69 percent from the field and missed just four shots.

John has now scored in double figures in five of the last six games and made at least one three-pointer in 22 of 23 games. Cal’s starting five all scored in double figures for the first time this season, while Dai Dai Ames recorded his tenth game of 20 points or more. On Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 5 p.m., the Golden Bears will host No. 20/19 Clemson at Berkeley, California’s Haas Pavilion for their final home game before a 2 game road trip to Syracuse and Boston College.